There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Burkina Faso Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Burkina Faso – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
West African CFA Franc (BCEAO) (XOF) £1 ≈ F CFA 784 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 2/5
Cashless payments are not widely accepted in Burkina Faso. Credit cards are limited, and cash is the preferred method of payment.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Burkina Faso, but it is appreciated for exceptional service in restaurants and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common, and in some areas, it may be restricted. It is best to drink in designated places such as bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is generally prohibited in indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and shops. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 112 (Ambulance), 18 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Burkina Faso is known for its cultural festivals, such as the FESPACO film festival. The country also has a rich heritage in music and traditional crafts. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Burkina Faso, Burkina Faso
Most governments advise against travel to most of Burkina Faso because of terrorism and kidnapping; large areas in the north and east are outside government control
Climate varies by region: Sahel north extremely hot and dry March to May, south-west around Banfora wetter with waterfalls fullest July to October
Harmattan dust haze December to February reduces visibility and can irritate breathing
Don't miss
- 🏚️ Explore the intricate rock architecture of the Ruins of Loropeni
- 🛍️ Visit the vibrant Grand Marché market in Ouagadougou
- 🏺 Discover traditional Mossi culture at the National Museum
- 🎬 Attend the colorful FESPACO African film festival
- ⛰️ Hike the scenic peaks of the Sindou Rock Formations
- 🔥 Watch artisans craft bronze statues using ancient techniques
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Burkina Faso?
What makes Burkina Faso truly special is its remarkable cultural authenticity and the genuine warmth of its people. The country offers visitors a chance to experience traditional West African life without the crowds found in more touristy destinations. From the mud-brick mosques and houses of Bobo-Dioulasso to the vibrant markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso provides cultural immersion opportunities that feel genuine and unfiltered. However, travelers should be aware of the challenging climate, particularly during the hot, dry season when temperatures can soar above 45°C (113°F) and the harmattan wind brings dust from the Sahara. The country also faces security challenges in some regions and infrastructure remains limited outside major cities. Despite these challenges, for those seeking authentic cultural experiences off the beaten path, Burkina Faso offers rewards that few other destinations can match.
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
FESPACO (Pan-African Film Festival)
-
SIAO (International Arts and Crafts Fair)
-
Festima (International Mask Festival)
-
Semaine Nationale de la Culture
-
Gorom-Gorom Market Festival
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
NAK Festival
-
Bobo-Dioulasso Jazz Festival
-
Wend Kuni Festival
-
Tabaski (Eid al-Adha)
Knowledge before you go
- Avoid all travel due to terrorism and kidnapping risks.
- High danger on roads; terrorists use landmines and attack convoys regularly.
- Use only yellow taxis in Ouagadougou; never green taxis or night buses.
- State of emergency covers most regions; Westerners specifically targeted for ransom kidnappings.
How to travel to Burkina Faso
Most international visitors arrive in Burkina Faso through Ouagadougou Airport, which has connections to several West African cities and European destinations including Paris and Brussels. Airlines serving Burkina Faso include Air Burkina, Air France and Royal Air Maroc. Visas are required for most nationalities and should be arranged in advance. Overland entry is possible from neighboring countries including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Benin and Togo, though border situations can change rapidly. Bus services connect Ouagadougou with major cities in neighboring countries, with companies like STC and SKV operating international routes.
Access summary
- Ouagadougou: Fly into OUA from Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, regional hubs.
- Bobo-Dioulasso/Banfora: Connect via OUA, then domestic flight, bus or car.
- Regional access mainly via West African cities; Air Burkina is national carrier.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Burkina Faso
Accommodation in Burkina Faso ranges from international-standard hotels in major cities to basic guesthouses in smaller towns. Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso offer the widest selection, including business hotels catering to NGOs and government officials. Outside these cities, options become more limited and basic. Some cultural sites like Tiébélé offer homestay experiences in traditional houses. Advance booking is recommended for higher-end accommodations, especially during major events like FESPACO.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Burkina Faso
Getting around Burkina Faso requires patience and flexibility. In cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo‑Dioulasso, taxis and motorbike taxis (called “taxi‑motos”) are common for short distances. For intercity travel, buses connect major towns, though comfort levels vary widely. The most reliable bus companies include STAF, TSR and TCV, which operate air‑conditioned coaches between major cities. For exploring rural areas or reaching remote attractions, hiring a vehicle with a driver is often necessary, as road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season (May‑October). Some travelers also use “bush taxis” (shared vans or cars) for budget travel between towns, though these depart only when full and can be uncomfortable for long journeys.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Burkina Faso are around 69% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to XOF) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Exercise increased caution in Burkina Faso due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping. Avoid travel to border regions and rural areas. Stay informed about current security situations, travel with reputable guides and register with your embassy. Major cities are generally safer but require normal precautions.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited outside major cities, with basic care available in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Malaria is endemic throughout the country and waterborne diseases are common, especially during the rainy season.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is minimal throughout Burkina Faso. Most attractions, public buildings and transportation options present significant challenges for those with mobility issues. Even in major cities, sidewalks are often missing or in poor condition and buildings rarely have accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Burkina Faso. Bottled water is widely available in cities but may be harder to find in remote areas. When traveling outside urban centers, carry water purification tablets or a portable filter.
Packing recommendations for Burkina Faso
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🪰
Insect repellent
🧣
Scarf
for the harmattan season
👛
Cash in small denominations
few cash machines outside cities
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
😷
Dust or pollution mask
for the harmattan season
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
👖
Long trousers
for sun protection
👚
Long-sleeved shirt
for sun protection
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Burkina Faso
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